Military to Reintegrate 603 Repentant Boko Haram Fighters Into Communities in July

The Defence Headquarters has said that a total of 603 repentant Boko Haram fighters are set to be reintegrated into their communities in July having completed the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.

DHQ spokesperson, Major General John Enenche made this announcement during a media briefing on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

The military also said that it has successfully reintegrated 280 former Boko Haram terrorists, including 2 Chadians, back into the society through their respective national and state authorities.

Director of Defence Media Organization (DMO) Major General John Enenche stated that operation safe corridor, established in 2016, has admitted a total of 893 ex Boko Haram fighters.

Enenche said: “The Operation is a success story as feedbacks from those reintegrated are positive.

“A particular one in Bama who learnt barbing as a vocation has successfully empowered four locals and is happily married with children.”

Enenche noted that de-radicalization is the first stage of the programme after medical screening, including taking of DNA sample is conducted. He listed other processes involved before admitting the candidates into the training to include psychotherapy, psycho-spiritual counseling, drug abuse intervention, art therapy, sports/recreation and introduction to western education to counter the BHT ideology.